. Conclusion
All samples presented freshness indicators, such as pH, TVBN and SMO within acceptable parameters. However, the microbiota parameters indicate that it is necessary to work hard on the HACCP systems, since 63.93% of samples were classified as unsatisfactory. The implicated microbiota are Enterobacteriaceae, S. aureus, B. cereus and moulds. B. cereus and S. aureus contributed to the unsatisfactory classification. The amount of B. cereus raises some concern, because 4.9% of the samples were contaminated above acceptable limits, and one was very close to what is considered as an infective dose. S. aureus contributed to the unsatisfactory classification in 32.79% of the samples.
An absence of E. coli, Salmonella spp., C. perfringens and pathogenic Vibrio spp. was observed.
In order to establish correct and effective CCPs, it will be important to understand if sashimi meals are being contaminated by the retailed fishery or from cross-contamination in the restaurant kitchen.
Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank Mrs. Ana Leite and Mr. Felisberto Borges for the laboratorial support. This work was founded by the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT) under the Project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0772/2014.